The military, a symbol of strength, discipline, and unwavering commitment to service, has long been bound by strict guidelines governing appearance, including regulations on hairstyles. However, these regulations have often disproportionately affected Black women, whose natural hair textures and styles have been deemed unprofessional or incompatible with military standards. In recent years, a concerted effort has emerged to challenge these restrictive policies and promote inclusivity for Black women in the military.
The Historical Context
For decades, Black women in the military have faced scrutiny over their hair, with natural styles like braids, twists, and locs often deemed unprofessional or unkempt. These policies have not only created an environment of discomfort and self-consciousness for Black women but have also reinforced harmful stereotypes about their appearance and professionalism.
The history of restrictive hair policies in the military dates back to the early days of the United States Armed Forces. These policies, often referred to as "grooming standards," were initially designed to promote uniformity and discipline among soldiers. At that time, the military was predominantly white, and its grooming policies were based on the assumption that white hair was the only "professional" hairstyle. This assumption has been perpetuated for decades, even as the military has become more diverse. Over time, these policies have been used to enforce narrow and outdated beauty standards that disproportionately affect Black women.
As recently as 2014, the Army updated its grooming standards to ban large cornrows, twists, and dreadlocks, sparking widespread criticism from Black women and advocacy groups. The policy was seen as an attempt to perpetuate outdated stereotypes about Black hair and to further marginalize Black women in the military.
The CROWN Act
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to allow women in the military to wear their hair in natural styles. This movement has been led by women of color who have spoken out about the discriminatory nature of the ban. They have also been supported by allies, including white women who have recognized the need for change.
In 2020, a significant step towards inclusivity was taken with the passage of the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful Open World for Natural Hair). The CROWN Act prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles commonly worn by Black people. While the CROWN Act applies to various aspects of society, its impact on the military was particularly noteworthy.
Military Policy Changes
In response to growing concerns about hair discrimination and the CROWN Act, the military branches have taken steps to update their grooming policies. In 2019, the Army lifted its ban on braids, twists, and dreadlocks, allowing Black women to wear their hair in these styles while maintaining their military service. The Navy and Air Force followed suit, implementing similar changes to their grooming regulations.
While these policy changes represent significant progress, there is still work to be done. Some argue that the updated regulations remain overly restrictive, limiting the range of natural styles that Black women can wear in the military. Additionally, there have been reports of uneven enforcement of these policies, suggesting that biases and cultural sensitivities still need to be addressed.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
The efforts to allow natural black hairstyles for women in the military are not just about hair; they are about acknowledging and embracing diversity. These changes reflect a growing understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to create an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
The journey towards inclusive hair policies in the military is an ongoing one, but the progress made thus far is commendable. As the military continues to strive for inclusivity and representation, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the unique beauty and cultural significance of natural black hairstyles.